Digital Indigenous Knowledge Archivist Job Vacancy in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe – Cultural Heritage and Digital Innovation | Smithsonian Institution Zimbabwe
Job Description
Position: Digital Indigenous Knowledge Archivist
Company: Smithsonian Institution Zimbabwe
Location: Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe
Experience: 3-5 years in digital archiving or cultural preservation
Education: Master’s Degree in Library Science, Digital Archiving, or Cultural Heritage Management
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Cultural Heritage and Digital Innovation
Department: Digital Archiving and Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Salary: 150,000 – 250,000 SSP
Vacancies:1
Company Overview
The Smithsonian Institution Zimbabwe, a branch of the global Smithsonian network, is dedicated to preserving and promoting indigenous knowledge systems through digital innovation. With a focus on Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage, the organization bridges traditional wisdom with modern technology to create accessible, interactive archives for global audiences. Operating in Chitungwiza, the institution collaborates with local communities, universities, and international partners to document oral histories, traditional practices, and ecological knowledge.
Job Overview
This role is central to the Smithsonian’s mission to digitize and safeguard Zimbabwe’s indigenous knowledge. The Digital Indigenous Knowledge Archivist will lead efforts to collect, curate, and disseminate digital content related to traditional practices, languages, and ecological systems. The position requires expertise in digital archiving tools, cultural sensitivity, and innovative storytelling techniques to ensure the preservation of Zimbabwe’s heritage for future generations.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with local communities to document oral histories, traditional practices, and indigenous knowledge systems.
- Develop and maintain digital archives using metadata standards and archival software (e.g., Archivists’ Toolkit, DSpace).
- Create interactive digital exhibits and educational resources for online platforms and museum displays.
- Conduct workshops to train community members in digital documentation techniques.
- Ensure ethical compliance in the collection and representation of cultural materials.
- Partner with universities and NGOs to expand the archive’s scope and accessibility.
Required Skills
- Proficiency in digital archiving software and metadata standards (Dublin Core, PREMIS).
- Experience with audio-visual digitization and preservation techniques.
- Strong understanding of indigenous knowledge systems and cultural sensitivity.
- Excellent project management and cross-cultural communication skills.
- Ability to design user-friendly digital interfaces for diverse audiences.
- Fluency in Shona or Ndebele is a plus.
Education
Candidates must hold a Master’s Degree in Library Science, Digital Archiving, Cultural Heritage Management, or a related field. A PhD is preferred but not mandatory.
Experience
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in digital archiving, cultural preservation, or museum curation. Experience working with indigenous communities or in sub-Saharan Africa is highly advantageous.
Salary
150,000 – 250,000 SSP per annum, commensurate with experience.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health insurance covering local and international medical services.
- Professional development stipend for conferences and training programs.
- Relocation assistance for qualified international candidates.
- Flexible work hours and remote work options.
- Annual leave and public holidays as per Zimbabwean labor laws.
Training
- Onboarding program covering Smithsonian’s digital archiving protocols.
- Workshops on indigenous knowledge ethics and community engagement.
- Access to global Smithsonian training resources and webinars.
Working Environment
The role is based in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe, with regular fieldwork in rural communities. The position requires travel to remote areas for data collection and community engagement. The office environment is collaborative, with access to state-of-the-art digital archiving tools and a supportive team of cultural experts.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a CV, cover letter, and three professional references to the Smithsonian Institution Zimbabwe recruitment portal. Applications must include a portfolio of previous digital archiving projects. The deadline for submissions is 30 days from the job posting date.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Smithsonian Institution Zimbabwe is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
